SOUTH Sydney players have revealed the emotional pain they felt parting ways with local junior Cameron McInnes after he decided to leave for archrivals St George Illawarra due to Robbie Farah’s arrival at Redfern.

On the eve of their first match against McInnes in Sunday’s traditional Charity Shield, Rabbitohs players expressed their disappointment over the hooker’s departure, with veteran forward John Sutton saying, “You don’t want a Souths product to leave”.

Former captain Sutton praised the Botany Rams junior for handling himself with class despite moving on to make way for Farah.

“Cam was a true professional,” Sutton told The Sunday Telegraph.

“It’s sad to see young players from the area go, because they are Souths juniors who come up through the ranks. To see them go it’s disappointing, because at this club we always want to try and keep our juniors.

McInnes played 39 matches for Souths from 2014-16.Source:News Corp Australia

“Different things happen, but the way he handled himself was a true professional.

“I’m sure Cam has been training the house down and he wants to play some really good football.”

Halfback Adam Reynolds says it will be “weird” to see McInnes in the Red V, but insists the hooker will always hold a special place in his heart.

“Cam is a local boy, so there is a soft spot there for him,” Reynolds said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for him. He was good here at Souths and it was sad to see him leave.

“I’ve always seen him as Souths boy and as footy goes you tend to move on in your career and there is a lot of chop and change.

“But for him it’s another opportunity get his foot in the door and further his career.